🌶️ Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole: A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

This easy-to-make Chicken Fajita Casserole brings all the vibrant flavors and comforting warmth of your favorite sizzling Mexican dish right to your dinner table, all in one satisfying pan. It's perfect for busy weeknights and a guaranteed family favorite!

📝 Recipe Details

🛒 Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 ½ - 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into 1-inch strips) or cooked, shredded chicken (like rotisserie chicken)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning, divided (use store-bought or a homemade blend)
• 2 medium bell peppers (any color—red, yellow, or orange recommended), cored and sliced into strips
• 1 medium yellow or white onion, sliced into strips
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• Optional: 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes (for a creamy version)

Optional Toppings & Serving Suggestions:

• Flour or corn tortillas (small, soft)
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced jalapeños (for an extra kick)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare & Season the Chicken

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
• In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the fajita seasoning. Make sure the chicken is completely coated.
• If using cooked, shredded chicken and cream cheese: Skip this step and move to step 3 after cooking the vegetables.

2. Assemble the Base

• Place the seasoned raw chicken strips in a single layer in the prepared casserole dish.

3. Season and Add Vegetables

• In the same mixing bowl (or a clean one), combine the sliced bell peppers and onion strips with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of fajita seasoning. Toss to coat.
• Spread the seasoned peppers and onions evenly over the top of the chicken in the casserole dish.
  

  💡 Pro Tip: For crisp-tender veggies, follow the recipe as written. For softer, more caramelized veggies, sauté them in a skillet for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the casserole dish.

4. Optional: Add Creaminess (For a Creamy Casserole)

• If you're making the creamy version, distribute the softened cream cheese pieces evenly over the top of the vegetables. If using shredded cooked chicken, mix the chicken, sautéed veggies, cream cheese, and seasoning together in a bowl first, then spread into the casserole dish.

5. Top and Bake

• Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and vegetable mixture.
• Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve

• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and your favorite toppings.
• Serve hot, either as is or with warm tortillas for a DIY fajita experience!

📝 Tips and Variations

• Make it Creamy: As noted above, for a richer, creamier casserole, soften 8 ounces of cream cheese and mix it with the cooked or raw chicken, cooked vegetables, and seasonings before topping with shredded cheese and baking.
• Quick Prep Shortcut: Use cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep and cook time. You'll only need to bake until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through (about 15-20 minutes).
• Spice it Up: Add a sliced jalapeño or a can of drained diced green chiles to the vegetable mix for a pleasant heat.
• Homemade Seasoning: If you prefer to skip the pre-packaged mix, a blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano works great!
• Meal Prep: The casserole can be assembled (through step 4) up to one day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Add the shredded cheese right before baking.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a hearty, all-in-one meal, but a few simple sides can complete the feast:

• A side of Mexican rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• A crisp side salad with a lime vinaigrette.
• Warm tortillas to turn the casserole into easy fajita wraps.

Enjoy this easy, flavorful twist on a Mexican classic!

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